Amidst the post-Civil War reconstruction and the rush of Manifest Destiny, a narrative emerged celebrating the untouched wilderness of the American West. Our journey weaves through the awe-inspiring stories of explorers drawn to Yellowstones geysers and grand canyons, whose vivid accounts ignited a fervent dialogue on conservation versus conquest. In this serene exploration, we delve into the tranquil yet powerful emergence of Yellowstone as Americas first national park, a pivotal moment that championed the preservation of sublime natural beauty over exploitation. As the comforting darkness envelops us, let us trace the gentle yet profound influence of wilderness on the American spirit, and perhaps, on our own dreams tonight. This episode is hosted by Brian Miller. Check out more of our shows and get your free trial of Whisper Premium: www.whisper.fm Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/channel/whisper-fm/id6466174594 Whisper.fm on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whisper_fm